Optical device and imaging unit including same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an optical device capable of being miniaturized and capable of reducing manufacturing cost, and an imaging unit including the optical device. An optical device (10) is provided with: an outermost-layer lens (1) (light-transmitting body) through which light having a predetermined wavelength is transmitted; a housing (2) that holds the outermost layer lens (1); a vibrating body (3) that is in contact with the outermost layer lens (1) held by the housing (2); and a piezoelectric element (5) that is provided on the vibrating body (3) and vibrates the vibrating body (3). The vibrating body (3) is a cylindrical body and has a shape in which a plurality of grooves (30) are formed in a support section (33) (third section) that connects a connection section (31) (first section) that is in contact with the outermost layer lens (1) and a vibrating section (32) (second section) on which the piezoelectric element (5) is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical device and an image pickup unit including the optical device. Background Art

[0002] The following configuration is performed: a camera unit is installed at the front or rear of the vehicle, and the images obtained by the camera unit are used to control the vehicle's safety device or perform driving assistance control. Such a camera unit is often installed outside the vehicle, so there is a possibility that foreign matter such as raindrops (water drops), mud, and dust adhere to the light-transmitting body (protective cover, lens) covering the outside.

[0003] If foreign matter is attached to the translucent body, the foreign matter is reflected on the image obtained by the imaging unit, and a clear image cannot be obtained. Therefore, in Japanese Patent No. 6819844 (Patent Document 1), a vibration device for vibrating the translucent body is provided in the imaging unit to remove foreign matter attached to the surface of the translucent body.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6819844 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the imaging unit described in Patent Document 1, the translucent body is vibrated by a vibrating device including a translucent body, a first cylindrical body, a spring portion, a second cylindrical body, and a vibrating body, thereby removing foreign matter attached to the surface of the translucent body. However, in the imaging unit described in Patent Document 1, the vibrating device for vibrating the translucent body has a three-dimensional spring structure in which the first cylindrical body is provided on the second cylindrical body with the spring portion sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, the size is easily enlarged, the shape is complicated, and processing is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and the manufacturing cost is also increased.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical device and an image pickup unit including the optical device that can be miniaturized and have a reduced manufacturing cost.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] An optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a light-transmitting body that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength; a housing that holds the light-transmitting body; a vibrating body that contacts the light-transmitting body held by the housing; and a piezoelectric element that is disposed on the vibrating body and causes the vibrating body to vibrate. The vibrating body is a cylindrical body, and has a shape having a plurality of grooves in a third portion connecting a first portion that contacts the light-transmitting body and a second portion where the piezoelectric element is disposed.

[0012] An imaging unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: the optical device described above; and an imaging element disposed so that a light-transmitting body is located in a field of view direction.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, since the vibrator is a cylindrical body and has a shape with multiple grooves in the third part connecting the first part in contact with the light-transmitting body and the second part where the piezoelectric element is set, the optical device and the camera unit including the optical device can be miniaturized and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging unit according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vibrator according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining deformation when the vibrating body according to the first embodiment is vibrated.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the sound pressure distribution when the vibrating body according to the first embodiment is vibrated.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining heat distribution when the vibrating body according to the first embodiment is vibrated.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the vibrator in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another modified example of the vibrator in the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of a vibrator according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Fig.10 This is a graph showing a comparison of stresses between the vibrating body according to the first embodiment and the vibrating body according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of a vibrating body according to Modification 1.

[0026] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of a vibrating body according to Modification Example 2.

[0027] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of a vibrating body according to Modification 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an optical device of an embodiment and a camera unit including the optical device are described in detail. In addition, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same or corresponding parts. The optical device described below is applied to, for example, a camera unit for vehicle use, and is capable of vibrating the light-transmitting body in order to remove foreign matter attached to the surface of the light-transmitting body (for example, the outermost lens). The optical device is not limited to the use of a camera unit for vehicle use. For example, the optical device can also be applied to security-oriented surveillance cameras, camera units for drones, and the like.

[0029] (Implementation Method 1)

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the image pickup unit 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image pickup unit 100 according to Embodiment 1. In addition, the X, Y, and Z directions in the figure respectively represent the lateral direction, the depth direction, and the height direction of the image pickup unit 100. The image pickup unit 100 includes an optical device 10 and an image pickup device 20. The optical device 10 includes an outermost lens 1, a housing 2, a vibrating body 3, an inner lens 4, and a piezoelectric element 5. The image pickup device 20 includes an image pickup element 6, a circuit board 7, and a housing 8.

[0031] Furthermore, after the alignment adjustment of the outermost lens 1 and the inner lens 4 is performed, the imaging unit 100 is formed by combining the imaging device 20 including the imaging element 6 with the optical device 10. In the present embodiment, the optical device 10 is described as having the inner lens 4, but the inner lens 4 may be provided on the imaging device 20 side. In addition, the imaging unit 100 only needs to have at least the optical device 10 and the imaging element 6 arranged in such a manner that the outermost lens 1 and the inner lens 4 are in the field of view direction.

[0032] The imaging element 6 is an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor, and is mounted on a circuit board 7. The circuit board 7 is mounted with not only a general-purpose IC (Integrated Circuit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other semiconductor element for controlling the imaging element 6, but also a semiconductor element for generating a signal for driving the piezoelectric element 5. The circuit board 7 is fixed to the housing 8 at a position after alignment adjustment of the outermost lens 1, the inner lens 4, and the imaging element 6.

[0033] The outermost lens 1 is a light-transmitting body that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength (e.g., a wavelength of visible light, a wavelength that can be photographed by an imaging element, etc.), and is, for example, a convex meniscus lens. In addition, the optical device 10 may use a transparent member such as a protective cover instead of the outermost lens 1. The protective cover is made of resin such as glass or transparent plastic.

[0034] The end of the outermost lens 1 is held by the end of the leaf spring 2a extending from the housing 2. In addition, an adhesive is filled between the outermost lens 1 and the holding portion 2b which is the end of the leaf spring 2a. In addition, in the optical device 10, in order to vibrate the outermost lens 1 held by the housing 2, a vibrator 3 is provided at a position in contact with the outermost lens 1.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vibrating body 3 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 (a) is a three-dimensional diagram of the vibrating body 3, Figure 3 (b) is a side view of the vibrating body 3. Figure 3 As shown in (a), the vibrating body 3 is a cylindrical body. Figure 3 As shown in (b), the vibrating body 3 includes a connecting portion 31 (part 1) in contact with the outermost lens 1, a vibrating portion 32 (part 2) on which the piezoelectric element 5 is provided, and a supporting portion 33 (part 3) connecting the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. In addition, the connecting portion 31, the vibrating portion 32, and the supporting portion 33 may be formed integrally or separately.

[0036] The connecting portion 31 is a portion in contact with the outermost lens 1, and is a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction (Z direction) of the cylindrical body. The vibrating portion 32 is a portion that vibrates along with the vibration of the piezoelectric element 5, and has a convex edge portion in the radial direction of the vibrating body 3 to facilitate the installation of the piezoelectric element 5. The supporting portion 33 is a side portion of the vibrating body 3, and is formed with a plurality of grooves 30 arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the vibrating body 3. The grooves 30 are in the shape of a horizontally placed letter Y (tuning fork shape). The grooves 30 penetrate the supporting portion 33 and are openings that penetrate the vibrating body 3 in the radial direction.

[0037] The groove 30 is a shape formed by placing the letter Y horizontally (tuning fork shape), and is a shape that is axially symmetrical with the radial direction of the vibrating body 3 as the axis. In addition, the groove 30 is formed so that one end is in contact with the connecting portion 31 and the other end is in contact with the vibrating portion 32. The remaining portion of the support portion 33 due to the provision of the groove 30 is a plurality of columns 35 in the shape of the letter U that connect the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. The columns 35 function as springs that vibrate the outermost lens 1 in the Z direction.

[0038] The column 35 is in the shape of a letter U placed horizontally. Figure 3As shown in (b), the column 35 is a shape in which the connection portion connected to the connection portion 31 and the connection portion connected to the vibration portion 32 are arranged on a substantially straight line. Therefore, the U-shaped portion of the column 35 is narrowed or widened by the vibration of the piezoelectric element 5, so that the vibrator 3 can vibrate the outermost lens 1 in the Z direction.

[0039] Figure 4 1 is a diagram for explaining deformation when the vibrating body 3 of the first embodiment is vibrated. Figure 4 In (a), the U-shaped portion of the column 35 is narrowed due to the vibration of the piezoelectric element 5, and the outermost lens 1 is deformed toward the lower side (negative side in the Z direction) in the figure. Figure 4 In (b), the U-shaped portion of the column 35 widens due to the vibration of the piezoelectric element 5, and the outermost lens 1 deforms toward the upper side (positive side in the Z direction) in the figure. The vibrating body 3 is repeatedly Figure 4 The deformation shown in (a) and Figure 4 The deformation shown in (b) can vibrate the entire outermost lens 1 in the Z direction to remove foreign matter attached to the surface of the outermost lens 1.

[0040] The piezoelectric element 5 is provided on the surface of the vibration part 32 opposite to the side in contact with the outermost lens 1. The piezoelectric element 5 is hollow and circular, and vibrates by polarization in the thickness direction, for example. The piezoelectric element 5 is composed of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics. However, other piezoelectric ceramics such as (K, Na) NbO3 can also be used. Piezoelectric single crystals such as LiTaO3 can also be used.

[0041] The hollow circular piezoelectric element 5 vibrates in the radial direction, and the vibration is converted into vibration in the Z direction (up and down direction in the figure) by the support portion 33 of the vibrator 3, thereby causing the outermost lens 1 to vibrate in the Z direction. Figure 4 It can be seen that the vibrator 3 elastically deforms the plurality of columns 35 of the support portion 33 like a spring to displace the outermost lens 1 in the Z direction. In addition, the leaf spring 2a of the housing 2 holding the outermost lens 1 is also elastically deformed by the vibration of the vibrator 3 .

[0042] In the optical device 10, by processing the groove 30 on the side surface (support portion 33) of the vibrator 3 in the Z direction, a spring (column 35) that expands and contracts in the Z direction can be formed. Therefore, compared with an optical device that uses a two-dimensional leaf spring extending in the XY direction to vibrate the outermost lens, the optical device 10 can be reduced in size and miniaturized. In addition, in the optical device 10, the vibrator 3 is a simple cylindrical body and can be formed only by processing the groove 30 on its side surface, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0043] In addition, in the vibrating body 3, for example, 8 grooves 30 are processed on the side surface (supporting portion 33) of a cylindrical body with a diameter of 15 mm made of SUS420J2 to form 8 columns 35 in the shape of the letter U. A piezoelectric element 5 with an outer diameter of 19 mm (inner diameter of 13 mm) and a thickness of 1.0 mm is provided on the bottom surface (vibrating portion 32) of the vibrating body 3. In addition, the upper surface (connecting portion 31) of the vibrating body 3 is in contact with the outermost lens 1 with a diameter of 14.4 mm and a thickness of 3.5 mm made of glass. For the optical device 10 having the above-mentioned vibrating body 3, when a simulation is performed in which 20 Vp-p is input as a voltage Vp-p to the piezoelectric element 5 to vibrate the outermost lens 1, it is found that the resonance frequency is 26.6 kHz, the resonance resistance is 302.6 Ω, and the maximum displacement is 9.8 μm, and the required vibration performance can be obtained. In addition, the voltage Vp-p input to the piezoelectric element 5 is not limited to 20Vp-p, and can be, for example, about 40Vp-p to 60Vp-p, and the maximum displacement at this time is greater than 20.0μm. Here, the voltage Vp-p is the difference (peak-to-peak value) between the maximum value (+Vpp) and the minimum value (-Vpp) of the drive signal (AC signal).

[0044] The product size of the optical device 10 can be significantly reduced in size compared to an optical device having a structure (structure of a comparative object) of a first cylindrical body, a spring portion, and a second cylindrical body, and can be reduced in size by about 33% in the radial direction in particular. The product size of the image pickup unit 100 depends on the radial dimension of the product size of the optical device 10, and thus the product size of the image pickup unit 100 can be reduced in size by adopting the structure of the optical device 10. In addition, the volume of the cylindrical body of the vibrator 3 is about half the volume of the vibrator of the comparative object.

[0045] In the vibrating body of the comparison object, since the lens, the imaging element, etc. are arranged inside the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body and the surrounding is covered, the air compressed by the vibration of the light-transmitting body cannot be released to the outside, and the vibration of the light-transmitting body may be attenuated. In addition, the heat generated by the imaging element, etc. cannot be released to the outside, so the heat is easily accumulated inside the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body.

[0046] On the other hand, in the optical device 10, a groove 30 is provided on the side surface (support portion 33) in the Z direction of the vibrating body 3, and the inside and outside of the cylindrical vibrating body 3 are connected via the groove 30 (opening). Therefore, in the optical device 10, the air compressed by the vibration of the light-transmitting body can be released to the outside, and the attenuation of the vibration of the outermost lens 1 can be reduced.

[0047] The air compressed by the vibrations can be measured by the sound pressure. Figure 5This is a diagram for explaining the sound pressure distribution when the vibrating body 3 of the first embodiment is vibrated. In the vibrating body of the comparison object, the air between the light-transmitting body and the inner lens is compressed by vibrating the first cylindrical body and the light-transmitting body in the Z direction, and the sound pressure increases. When the sound pressure increases in this part, the vibration of the light-transmitting body is attenuated. However, in the optical device 10, even if the outermost lens 1 is vibrated in the Z direction, the air between the outermost lens 1 and the inner lens 4 can be released to the outside from the groove 30 on the side (support portion 33) of the vibrating body 3, so that Figure 5 That is, the sound pressure between the outermost lens 1 and the inner lens 4 does not increase, so the attenuation of the vibration of the outermost lens 1 can be reduced. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the density of hatching indicates the magnitude of the sound pressure. A denser hatching portion indicates a portion with a higher sound pressure. The sound pressure is higher at the outer side of the outermost lens 1 or the like.

[0048] in addition, Figure 6 1 is a diagram for explaining heat distribution when the vibrating body 3 of the first embodiment is vibrated. Figure 6 , the simulation result of heat distribution when 1W of power is applied to the imaging element 6 is shown. Figure 6 The result diagram shown shows the temperature distribution of the optical device 10 after a predetermined period (for example, 1000 seconds) has passed since the imaging element 6 was operated so that the heat generated by the imaging element 6 reaches a thermal equilibrium state. Figure 6 As shown, it can be seen that the optical device 10 has a heat dissipation effect that can suppress the temperature rise inside the cylindrical vibrating body 3 to a low level by releasing the heat generated by the imaging element 6 from the groove portion 30 to the outside. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , the density of hatching indicates the high and low temperatures. A densely hatched portion indicates a portion with a higher temperature. The temperature is higher near the imaging element 6 .

[0049] As in Figure 3 As described in FIG. 1 , eight grooves 30 are processed on the side surface (support portion 33) of the vibrator 3 to form eight U-shaped columns 35. However, the vibrator 3 is not limited to this structure, and the grooves 30 having a shape of a horizontally placed letter Y may be enlarged in the circumferential direction. Figure 7 3A is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the vibrating body 3 of the first embodiment. In the vibrating body 3A, four portions are processed on the side surface (supporting portion 33). Figure 7As shown, the groove portion 30A is enlarged in the circumferential direction to form four U-shaped columns 35. That is, in the vibrating body 3A, a groove portion 30A having a volume larger than the groove portion 30 is provided on the side surface (support portion 33) of the vibrating body 3. In addition, in the vibrating body 3A, the thickness of the column 35 is the same as the thickness of the column 35 of the vibrating body 3, but it can also be a different thickness. In addition, in the vibrating bodies 3, 3A, a plurality of grooves 30, 30A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the side surface (support portion 33), but they can also be arranged at different intervals. Moreover, in the vibrating bodies 3, 3A, the shape of the column 35 is not limited to the U-shaped, but can also be a shape in which the U-shaped columns placed horizontally are stacked in the Z direction.

[0050] As in Figure 3 As described in , the groove 30 penetrates the support 33 and is an opening that penetrates in the radial direction of the vibrator 3. However, the groove 30 is not limited to an opening, and may be a recess that does not penetrate the support 33. Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another modified example of the vibrating body 3 of the first embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of grooves 30B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the vibrating body 3B, and the grooves 30B are in the shape of a letter Y placed horizontally. The grooves 30B do not penetrate the support portion 33, and are recessed portions having a bottom surface 36 in the radial direction of the vibrating body 3B. In other words, the vibrating body 3B has a structure in which a plurality of columns 35 are connected at the bottom surface 36. In addition, the position of the bottom surface 36 is not limited to the inner side of the vibrating body 3B, and can also be provided on the outer side of the vibrating body 3B. In addition, one or more through holes can be provided at the bottom surface 36 of the groove 30B.

[0051] (Implementation Method 2)

[0052] In the vibrating body 3 of the first embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the description is given of a case where a plurality of pillars 35 in a U-letter shape are provided to connect the connection portion 31 and the vibration portion 32. In the second embodiment, the description is given of a vibration body having pillars other than the U-letter shape. Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the vibrator 3C of Embodiment 2. The optical device 10 having the vibrator 3C and the imaging unit 100 including the optical device 10 have the same structure as that described in Embodiment 1, and therefore, the same structure is described with the same reference numerals, and the detailed description is not repeated.

[0053] Fig. 9 (a) is a three-dimensional diagram of the vibrating body 3C. Fig. 9 (b) is a side view of the vibrating body 3C. Fig. 9 As shown in (a), the vibrating body 3C is a cylindrical body. Fig. 9As shown in (b), the vibrating body 3 includes a connecting portion 31 (first portion) in contact with the outermost lens 1, a vibrating portion 32 (second portion) on which the piezoelectric element 5 is provided, and a supporting portion 33 (third portion) connecting the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32.

[0054] A plurality of stepped grooves 30C are formed in the support portion 33 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the vibrator 3C. The grooves 30C penetrate the support portion 33 and are openings that penetrate in the radial direction of the vibrator 3C.

[0055] The groove 30C is a step-shaped and point-symmetrical shape. In addition, the groove 30C is formed so that one end is in contact with the connecting portion 31 and the other end is in contact with the vibrating portion 32. The remaining portion of the support portion 33 due to the provision of the groove 30C becomes a plurality of columns 35C in a cantilever beam shape connecting the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. The column 35C functions as a spring that causes the outermost lens 1 to vibrate in the Z direction. In addition, the groove 30C is not limited to the opening portion, and can also be a recessed portion that does not penetrate the support portion 33.

[0056] By making the pillar 35C into a cantilever beam shape, it is possible to reduce the stress applied to the pillar 35C when vibrating the outermost lens 1. Therefore, by making the pillar 35C into a cantilever beam shape, the reliability of the vibrator 3C in terms of mechanical strength is improved. Fig.10 : is a graph showing a comparison of stresses between the vibrating body 3 of the first embodiment and the vibrating body 3C of the second embodiment. Fig.10 , the results of comparing the stress generated per unit displacement of the vibrating body 3 in which the pillar 35 is formed in a U-shaped shape and the vibrating body 3C in which the pillar 35C is formed in a cantilever beam shape are shown.

[0057] Depend on Fig.10 It can be seen that the maximum and minimum principal stresses of the vibrating body 3C when the column 35C is set in the cantilever beam shape are reduced to about half of the maximum and minimum principal stresses of the vibrating body 3 when the column 35 is set in the letter U shape. In addition, even if the column 35C is not set in the cantilever beam shape, but is set in a zigzag shape by adding a folded portion, the maximum and minimum principal stresses can be reduced in the same manner.

[0058] (Variation Example)

[0059] In the optical device 10 of the first embodiment, the case where a plurality of grooves 30 having a shape of a letter Y placed horizontally are formed on the side surface of the vibrator 3 is described, and in the optical device 10 of the second embodiment, the case where a plurality of grooves 30C having a step shape are formed on the side surface of the vibrator 3C is described. However, the shape of the grooves formed on the side surface of the vibrator is not limited to the shape of a letter Y placed horizontally or the step shape. A modified example of the shape of the grooves formed on the side surface of the vibrator is described below.

[0060] (1) Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the vibrating body of Modification Example 1. Fig.11 In (a), a vibrating body 3D is shown in which a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped grooves 30D are formed on the side surface. The grooves 30D are as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown in (a), the support portion 33 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape, which is axially symmetrical with the radial direction of the vibrating body 3 as the axis, and is a point-symmetrical shape. The remaining portion of the support portion 33 due to the provision of the groove portion 30D becomes a plurality of columns 35D that connect the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. The column 35D functions as a spring that causes the outermost lens 1 to vibrate in the Z direction. In addition, the groove portion 30D is not limited to the opening portion, and can also be a recessed portion that does not penetrate the support portion 33.

[0061] exist Fig.11 In (b), a vibrating body 3E is shown in which a plurality of grooves 30E having a complex shape such as a combination of a letter U shape and a cantilever beam shape are formed on the side. The groove 30E is formed so that one end is in contact with the connecting portion 31 and the other end is in contact with the vibrating portion 32. The remaining portion of the supporting portion 33 due to the provision of the groove 30E becomes a plurality of columns 35E connecting the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. The column 35E functions as a spring for vibrating the outermost lens 1 in the Z direction. In addition, the groove 30E is not limited to the opening portion, and may also be a recessed portion that does not penetrate the supporting portion 33.

[0062] The optical device 10 including the vibrators 3D and 3E and the imaging unit 100 including the optical device 10 have the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, the same configurations are described with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0063] (2) Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of the vibrating body of Modification Example 2. Fig.12 In (a), a vibrating body 3F is shown in which a plurality of slit-shaped grooves 30F are formed on the side surface. The grooves 30F are as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in (a), the groove portion 30F is in a slit shape and is a point-symmetrical shape. The groove portion 30F is formed so that one end contacts the connecting portion 31 and the other end contacts the vibrating portion 32. The remaining portion of the support portion 33 due to the provision of the groove portion 30F becomes a plurality of columns 35F that connect the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. The column 35F functions as a spring that causes the outermost lens 1 to vibrate in the Z direction. In addition, the groove portion 30F is not limited to the opening portion, and can also be a recessed portion that does not penetrate the support portion 33.

[0064] exist Fig.12 In (b), a vibrating body 3G is shown in which a plurality of wave-shaped grooves 30G are formed on the side. The grooves 30G are as shown in FIG. Fig.12As shown in (b), the groove portion 30G is in a wave shape and is a point-symmetrical shape. The groove portion 30G is formed so that one end contacts the connecting portion 31 and the other end contacts the vibrating portion 32. The remaining portion of the support portion 33 due to the provision of the groove portion 30G becomes a plurality of columns 35G that connect the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. The column 35G functions as a spring that causes the outermost lens 1 to vibrate in the Z direction. In addition, the groove portion 30G is not limited to the opening portion, and can also be a recessed portion that does not penetrate the support portion 33.

[0065] The optical device 10 including the vibrators 3F and 3G and the imaging unit 100 including the optical device 10 have the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, the same configurations are described with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0066] (3) Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the vibrating body of Modification Example 3. Fig.13 , a vibrating body 3H is shown in which a plurality of S-shaped grooves 30H are formed on the side surface. The grooves 30H are as shown in FIG. Fig.13 The shape of the letter S is shown, and it is a point-symmetrical shape. The groove portion 30H is formed so that one end is in contact with the connecting portion 31 and the other end is in contact with the vibrating portion 32. The remaining portion of the supporting portion 33 due to the provision of the groove portion 30H becomes a plurality of columns 35H that connect the connecting portion 31 and the vibrating portion 32. The column 35H functions as a spring that causes the outermost lens 1 to vibrate in the Z direction. In addition, the groove portion 30H is not limited to the opening portion, and can also be a recessed portion that does not penetrate the supporting portion 33. In addition, the optical device 10 having the vibrating body 3H and the camera unit 100 including the optical device 10 have the same structure as described in Embodiment 1, and therefore, the same structure is described with the same figure mark, and the detailed description is not repeated.

[0067] (Other Modifications)

[0068] The imaging unit in the above-mentioned embodiment may include a camera, LiDAR (laser radar), Radar, etc. In addition, a plurality of imaging units may be arranged in a row.

[0069] The imaging unit of the above-mentioned embodiment is not limited to an imaging unit provided in a vehicle, but can also be similarly applied to any imaging unit including an optical device and an imaging element arranged so that a light-transmitting body is in a field of view and requiring removal of foreign matter from a light-transmitting body.

[0070] (plan)

[0071] (1) The optical device disclosed in the present invention includes: a light-transmitting body that allows light of a predetermined wavelength to pass through; a shell that holds the light-transmitting body; a vibrating body that is in contact with the light-transmitting body held by the shell; and a piezoelectric element that is provided on the vibrating body to vibrate the vibrating body, wherein the vibrating body is a cylindrical body and has a shape having a plurality of grooves in a third part that connects a first part that is in contact with the light-transmitting body and a second part where the piezoelectric element is provided.

[0072] Therefore, in the optical device disclosed in the present invention, the vibrator is a cylindrical body and has a shape with multiple grooves in the third part connecting the first part in contact with the translucent body and the second part where the piezoelectric element is set, so it can be miniaturized and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0073] (2) The optical device according to (1), wherein each of the plurality of grooves has an axisymmetric shape with the radial direction of the vibrator as an axis.

[0074] (3) The optical device according to (1) or (2), wherein the plurality of grooves are formed so that one end portion is in contact with the first portion and the other end portion is in contact with the second portion.

[0075] (4) The optical device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the third portion having the plurality of grooves has a plurality of U-shaped columns connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0076] (5) The optical device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the plurality of grooves are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0077] (6) The optical device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein each of the plurality of grooves has a point-symmetrical shape.

[0078] (7) The optical device according to (1), wherein the third portion having the plurality of grooves has a plurality of cantilever beam-shaped or zigzag-shaped columns connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0079] (8) The optical device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the plurality of grooves are openings penetrating in a radial direction of the cylindrical body.

[0080] (9) The optical device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein in the vibrator, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are integrally formed.

[0081] (10) An imaging unit of the present disclosure includes: the optical device according to any one of (1) to (9); and an imaging element arranged such that a light-transmitting body is in a field of view direction.

[0082] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0083] Description of Reference Numerals

[0084] 1. Outermost lens; 2. Shell; 3. 3A~3H. Vibrating body; 4. Inner lens; 5. Piezoelectric element; 6. Camera element; 7. Circuit board; 8. Shell; 10. Optical device; 20. Camera device; 30. 30A~30H. Groove; 31. Connecting part; 32. Vibrating part; 33. Support part; 35. 35C~35H. Column; 36. Bottom surface; 100. Camera unit.

Claims

1. An optical device, wherein: The optical device comprises: A light-transmitting body that allows light of a predetermined wavelength to pass through; A housing that holds the light-transmitting body; a vibrating body in contact with the light-transmitting body held by the housing; and a piezoelectric element provided on the vibrating body to vibrate the vibrating body, The vibrator is a cylindrical body having a plurality of grooves in a third portion connecting a first portion in contact with the light-transmitting body and a second portion where the piezoelectric element is provided.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The shape of each of the plurality of grooves is axisymmetrical about the radial direction of the vibrating body.

3. The optical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of grooves are formed so that one end portion contacts the first portion and the other end portion contacts the second portion.

4. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The third portion having the plurality of grooves includes a plurality of U-shaped columns connecting the first portion and the second portion.

5. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The plurality of grooves are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

6. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of grooves has a point-symmetrical shape.

7. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The third portion provided with the plurality of grooves has a plurality of columns in a cantilever beam shape or a zigzag shape connecting the first portion and the second portion.

8. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The plurality of grooves are openings that penetrate the cylindrical body in a radial direction.

9. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: In the vibrating body, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are integrally formed.

10. A camera unit, wherein: The camera unit includes: The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The imaging element is arranged so that the light-transmitting body is in a field of view direction.

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